LaSalle couple heads to Pakistan to help eradicate polio

A LaSalle couple is embarking on a trip to Pakistan tomorrowbut not for an adventurous holiday.

Aruna and ShivaKoushikare on a mission of kindness to help vaccinate children against polio.

"We have been so successful with eradicating polio across the world and there are only two countries left Afghanistan and Pakistan," said Aruna.

The couple has gone to various countries in South Asiato provide poliovaccines in the past. This will be their seventh trip and they said they've seen a tremendous improvement toward eradicating the disease.

"It's been incredible," said Shiva. "Pakistan so far this year in the whole month of January has had zero cases, which is an achievement."

The vaccination is administered orallyand children only need two drops of medicine, said Aruna.

"You have hoards of kids coming at you and you have to go fast," she said, adding the vaccine protects the children for life.

The trip will cost theKoushik'sat least $8,000 for their airfare and local transportation, but they are just happy to be able to go again.

Arunasaid her husband was diagnosed with multiple myeloma after their last tripto Pakistanin 2014 and it took him two years to recover.

"He's recovered well enough to be able to do the trip," she said.

"I was raring to go," said Shiva. "I'm so thankful for this opportunity."